[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_direction=”90deg” background_color_gradient_stops=”#ffffff 0%|rgba(255,255,255,0) 60%” background_color_gradient_overlays_image=”on” background_color_gradient_start=”#ffffff” background_color_gradient_end=”rgba(255,255,255,0)” background_color_gradient_end_position=”60%” background_image=”https:\/\/gmacs.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Untitled-design.png” custom_padding=”10%||||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” alt=”image of a young girl sitting with her parent or carer at a table, the young girl is smiling and showing papers to her parent or carer” sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” position_origin_a_last_edited=”off|desktop” position_origin_f_last_edited=”off|desktop” position_origin_r_last_edited=”off|desktop” positioning_last_edited=”off|desktop” custom_css_main_element=”margin: auto auto 0;” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text module_id=”header-box” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”|–et_global_heading_font_weight|||||||” header_font_size=”40px” background_color=”#FAB833″ width=”100%” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”20px|30px|40px|30px|false|true” custom_css_free_form=”#header-box { opacity: 0.9; }||#header-box h1 { font-size: 40px !important; line-height: 1.25 !important; }” border_radii=”on|15px|15px|15px|15px” border_color_all=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” border_width_top=”5px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Not sure how to help the young people you look after with their careers decisions? Worried about making sure they make the right one?<\/p>\n
On this page, we’ve got some information designed to help you with having those important careers conversations with your young people.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_main_element_last_edited=”off|desktop” custom_css_main_element_tablet=”top: 225px;||margin-left: 25%;” custom_css_main_element_phone=”top: 200px;”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” custom_padding=”40px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#4E3162″ custom_padding=”10px|10px|10px|10px|false|false” border_radii=”on|15px|15px|15px|15px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
One of the best ways you can help your child is simply to talk to them about careers. Talk about how you made the decisions you did in your working life and encourage them to think about what\u2019s important to them. Ask them to explore different ideas and help them to find out about different pathways.<\/span><\/p>\n It also really helps if you have a good understanding of the different options open to your child. Young people face a very different set of choices and challenges from a generation ago, so it\u2019s worth getting to grips with the options available today. Exploring this site is a good place to start! But you could also ask about careers at parents or options evenings at school.<\/span><\/p>\n All schools and colleges in Greater Manchester have a careers leader who is in charge of the careers programme. Some schools and colleges will also have impartial careers advisers who offer information, advice, and guidance for students from Year 8 onwards. Look on your child\u2019s school or college website for more details and to see how they can help.<\/span><\/p>\n Keep reading this page for answers to some common questions about having careers conversations.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” custom_padding=”20px||20px||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_divider color=”#3C6F85″ divider_style=”dotted” divider_position=”center” divider_weight=”4px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Encourage your child to keep an open mind and to think about their strengths and what motivates them to succeed.<\/p>\n Ask your child what they enjoy in and out of school. Think about different subjects, ways of working and hobbies and interests.<\/p>\n Understand the options available to your child and the process they could take for each route. It\u2019s also worth looking ahead to give you and your child plenty of time to explore and digest the options open to them.<\/p>\n Support your child in attending open events for local colleges, training providers and universities.<\/p>\n Encourage them to consider volunteering and work experience, work placements and work shadowing opportunities.<\/p>\n All young people are required to continue learning or training until they are 18.<\/p>\n There are different options available:<\/p>\n You can speak to the careers leader at your child\u2019s school or college.<\/p>\n If there is a careers adviser at your child\u2019s school or college, you can arrange to call them or make an appointment for further information, advice and guidance.<\/p>\n The National Careers Service<\/a>\u00a0<\/span>also has some useful information and advice and you can access their helpline or online webchat.<\/p>\n Encouraging your child to develop transferable skills is a great way to boost their future applications.<\/p>\n Trying new things or following interests and hobbies can also help them discover possible career routes.<\/p>\n See the opportunities section<\/a>\u00a0<\/span>for details of activities and schemes your child could explore outside the classroom.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” custom_padding=”20px||20px||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_divider color=”#3C6F85″ divider_style=”dotted” divider_position=”center” divider_weight=”4px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Encourage your child to look ahead and think about their future pathways and career interests. Choices made now can affect future options \u2013 so thinking into the future is important.<\/p>\n Attend any parent\/carer evenings and information events at your child\u2019s school to find out more about what GCSE choices the school offers.<\/p>\n Encourage your child to consider their own subject interests, subject strengths, and the ways they enjoy learning.<\/p>\n All schools and colleges have a careers programme to support your child from Year 7. This will include opportunities to:<\/p>\n All schools and colleges must publish details of their careers education programme on their website. Please visit your child\u2019s school\/college website to see what you child will be able to access.<\/p>\n Labour Market Information (LMI) is the term used to describe information about jobs and employment. It can be used to help inform careers decisions. LMI includes information such as job roles and descriptions, average salary ranges and whether demand for job types is expected to grow or decline.<\/p>\n Read this guide on careers website icould.com that explains how you can use LMI to help shape career decisions.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” custom_padding=”20px||20px||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_divider color=”#3C6F85″ divider_style=”dotted” divider_position=”center” divider_weight=”4px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Young Minds charity have loads of\u00a0<\/span>online advice<\/a>\u00a0<\/span>that you can access. It\u2019s all about having difficult conversations with your child and helping them to manage anxiety or any other struggle.<\/p>\n They also have a helpline that you can call for free advice: 0808 802 5544 (Monday to Friday (9:30am-4pm, free for mobiles and landlines).<\/p>\n GOV.UK lists details of the\u00a0<\/span>16-19 Bursary Fund<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span>Advanced Learner Loans<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” custom_padding=”20px||20px||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_divider color=”#3C6F85″ divider_style=”dotted” divider_position=”center” divider_weight=”4px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px||20px||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n There is no guarantee of a job at the end of an apprenticeship, but it is a highly effective means of entering a profession. Bear in mind that training an apprentice involved a lot of work for the company in question. They are unlikely to carry out this work unless they are keen to take someone on at the end of it. Similarly, you should remember that apprenticeships provide employers with the opportunity to build a workforce with the specific skills that they require.<\/p>\n Traineeships give 16\u201324-year-olds the opportunity to develop the skills they need to either progress into an apprenticeship or find and succeed in employment. They have elements that will prepare your child for an apprenticeship, including English and maths, work preparation skills and a practical work placement with a local employer. Traineeships are unpaid (however travel expenses and costs of meals may be reimbursed) and should be viewed as a stepping stone into work. They can last anywhere between six weeks and six months.<\/p>\n Apprenticeships are designed to enable an individual to progress within a business over a longer period of time, whilst gaining nationally recognised qualifications. An apprenticeship is a career, not just a job. Apprenticeships are for those aged 16 or over who are not in full time education and can last anywhere from one to five years.<\/p>\n An apprenticeship won\u2019t cost your child a thing! Apprenticeships are fully funded between the government and your child\u2019s employer, so the only expenses will be getting to and from work or training. With full employment benefits, apprentices earn a salary while they learn.<\/p>\n As of April 2026, the National Minimum Wage for apprentices is \u00a38 an hour, but many employers pay more than this. In addition to earning a salary, your child will receive training in the skills employers want, increasing their future earning potential. Apprentices receive marked salary increases on completion of their training, and the roles often offer great opportunities for progression.<\/p>\n While we know that full-time education, such as college, sixth form or university is a proven route into employment, it doesn\u2019t always offer the valuable work experience that an apprenticeship can offer. And, there\u2019s still no guarantee of a job at the end.<\/p>\n Apprenticeships allow you to earn while you learn. They give you the opportunity to develop the skills employers really want. This includes specific skills relating to your job, their company and your sector.<\/p>\n Yes. Apprentices are employees just like any other, and they are entitled to be paid. They are also entitled to the other rights that employees enjoy. You should remember, though, that apprentices may be paid at a different rate to conventional employees.<\/p>\nGeneral support with careers<\/h2>\n
How can I help my child make career decisions?<\/h3>\n
What are the different ways that my child can stay in education until they are 18?<\/h3>\n
\n
Who can I speak to for more advice?<\/h3>\n
How can I help my child prepare for work and life?<\/h3>\n
Careers information at school<\/h2>\n
How can I help my child with GCSE choices?<\/h3>\n
What should my child learn about careers at school?<\/h3>\n
\n
What is Labour Market Information and how can it help with careers decisions?<\/h3>\n
Mental health and financial support<\/h2>\n
What should I do if I\u2019m worried about my child\u2019s mental health?<\/h3>\n
Where can I find out about financial support?<\/h3>\n
All about apprenticeships<\/h2>\n
What do the different apprenticeship levels mean compared to GSCEs, A levels and degrees?<\/h3>\n
\n\n
\n Apprenticeship name<\/strong><\/td>\n Apprenticeship level<\/strong><\/td>\n Equivalent<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Intermediate<\/td>\n 2<\/td>\n 5 GSCEs grade C or above<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Advanced<\/td>\n 3<\/td>\n 2 A level passes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Higher<\/td>\n 4<\/td>\n Higher National Certificate (HNC)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Higher<\/td>\n 5<\/td>\n Higher National Diploma\/Foundation Degree<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Higher<\/td>\n 6<\/td>\n Undergraduate Degree<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Higher<\/td>\n 7<\/td>\n Master\u2019s Degree<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Degree<\/td>\n 6-7<\/td>\n Degree<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n Is an apprenticeship a permanent job?<\/h3>\n
What\u2019s the difference between a traineeship and an apprenticeship?<\/h3>\n
How much will an apprenticeship cost my child?<\/h3>\n
What can my child earn as an apprentice?<\/h3>\n
Isn\u2019t university better than an apprenticeship?<\/h3>\n
Is an apprenticeship contract an employment contract?<\/h3>\n
How will an apprenticeship affect child benefits?<\/h3>\n